Hair loss is frustrating. You’ve probably tried countless products that promise regrowth but deliver nothing. So when someone suggests poking your scalp with tiny needles, skepticism is understandable.
But here’s the thing: microneedling for hair growth actually has solid science behind it. Multiple clinical studies show it works—especially when combined with the right serums.
The Science: Why Microneedling Helps Hair
Your hair follicles need three things to thrive: blood flow, nutrients, and proper signaling. Microneedling addresses all three:
Increased Blood Flow: The micro-injuries from needling trigger increased blood circulation to the scalp. Better blood flow means more nutrients reaching your follicles.
Growth Factor Release: Just like with facial microneedling, scalp needling triggers the release of growth factors that stimulate cellular regeneration—including in hair follicles.
Enhanced Product Absorption: Those micro-channels allow hair growth serums to penetrate far deeper than they would on intact skin, dramatically increasing their effectiveness.
What Kind of Hair Loss Responds Best?
Microneedling works best for:
Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness): The most common type of hair loss in both men and women. Microneedling can help revitalize miniaturizing follicles.
Thinning hair: If your hair is getting finer and less dense but follicles are still active, microneedling can help.
Slow-growing hair: Even without significant loss, microneedling can speed up growth cycles.
It’s less effective for:
Complete baldness: If follicles are completely dormant or scarred, microneedling alone won’t resurrect them.
Alopecia areata: This autoimmune condition requires medical treatment.
| Hair Loss Type | Microneedling Effectiveness | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pattern thinning | High | Best combined with peptide serums |
| Early recession | Moderate to High | More effective the earlier you start |
| Diffuse thinning | High | Excellent response in most cases |
| Advanced baldness | Low | Follicles may be too dormant |
| Scarring alopecia | Not effective | Requires medical intervention |
How to Microneedle Your Scalp
The technique differs slightly from facial microneedling:
1. Part your hair. Work in sections so you can see the scalp. Clips help.
2. Apply serum first. Your hair growth serum should go on before needling so it gets pushed into the channels.
3. Use a stamping motion. Press the device straight down, lift, move. Just like the technique described in our microneedling vs derma rolling guide—stamping is cleaner than rolling, especially through hair.
4. Cover the entire treatment area. Work systematically—forehead to crown, or wherever you’re treating.
5. Apply more serum after. A second application while channels are open maximizes absorption.
Needle Depth for Hair Growth
The scalp can handle deeper needles than the face because the skin is thicker:
0.5mm: Good starting point. Low irritation, enhances serum absorption, mild follicle stimulation.
1.0mm: The sweet spot for most people. Reaches the follicle level, triggers strong growth factor release.
1.5mm: Professional depth. More effective but requires proper technique and longer recovery.
For at-home use, 0.5-1.0mm is the safe and effective range. Our guidance on needle depth applies here too—start shallow and increase as you learn how your scalp responds.
Best Serums for Hair Microneedling
The serum matters as much as the needling. Look for:
Peptides: Copper peptides and specific hair-stimulating peptides support follicle health and growth cycles.
Niacinamide: Improves scalp circulation and supports healthy follicles.
Caffeine: Stimulates follicles and may help counteract DHT (the hormone linked to pattern baldness).
Minoxidil: The gold standard for hair regrowth. Microneedling significantly enhances its penetration and effectiveness.
Growth factors: Similar to PRP facial alternatives, growth factor serums support cellular regeneration in the scalp.
The Glownetics Hair Kit is specifically designed for scalp microneedling, combining a device with a peptide and niacinamide serum formulated for hair growth.
What Results to Expect
Hair growth is slow. Set realistic expectations:
Weeks 1-4: You probably won’t see visible changes, but the groundwork is being laid.
Weeks 4-8: Many people notice reduced shedding. Hair may feel slightly thicker.
Weeks 8-12: Fine “baby hairs” may start appearing. Existing hair often looks healthier.
Months 3-6: This is when real results show. Visible density improvement, new growth filling in thin areas.
6+ months: Maximum results. Continue maintenance treatments to keep gains.
Combining Treatments
Microneedling works best as part of a comprehensive approach:
Microneedling + topical treatments: The proven combo. Needling dramatically increases the effectiveness of serums and treatments like minoxidil.
+ DHT blockers: If pattern baldness is the cause, combining microneedling with oral or topical DHT blockers addresses both symptom and cause.
+ Scalp health basics: Don’t neglect the fundamentals—gentle shampoo, avoiding excessive heat styling, managing stress.
The Bottom Line
Microneedling for hair growth isn’t a gimmick—it’s backed by real science. The combination of increased blood flow, growth factor stimulation, and enhanced product absorption creates an environment where follicles can thrive.
Will it regrow hair on a completely bald scalp? Probably not. But for thinning hair, pattern loss, and slow growth, it’s one of the most effective at-home treatments available.
Start with the Hair Kit, follow the protocol consistently, and give it at least 3 months before judging results. Your future hair will thank you.
